Our Soul Nexus

Chapter Four

Two weeks and still nothing from his familiar. Not a sign or signal or inkling of communication. Ayben had asked professor Flaeyke if it were possible that his familiar died right after they bonded, but Flaeyke said that if his familiar had died or even been injured, he would know. It would hit him in a way that would be unforgettable.

So at least that was an option to rule out.

But even now, Ayben was considering the fact that maybe the pact hadn't worked, maybe the High Priestess was wrong. Or maybe Flaeyke was exaggerating the effects of the death of a familiar on a summoner. Either way seemed to sullen his mood the more he mulled things over.

Whether his familiar was alive or not, how would he even know? It was distressing to constantly guess and ponder what the answer could be.

Claretta and Laude had offered to take a trip into the market district with Ayben for the day to find some new spell binding crystals for class. His first instinct was to decline and stay at the dormitory, but his avoidance of both his friends and family were starting to worry them, try as he might to brush off their concerns.

So if going to the market would make both his family and friends simmer down about his mood, then that would be the best move.

Maybe he could even find something at the market to help with his predicament, though he doubted it. The best he could hope for was some delicious street snacks. Deep fried donuts or chocolate cocoa sticks. The thought of eating sweets on a beautiful spring day did manage to make him smile, his heart fluttering with a content feeling of bliss.

Once the three set out to the vast market street, they were overwhelmed with options of foods to eat, spell scrolls to purchase, crystals, and both ordinary and lavish clothing all for sale.

It didn't take too long to find the spell binding crystals since they were sold in most magic item stalls, so once they picked up everything they needed for school, the three convened at the sidewalk.

Claretta smiled and turned to look at Ayben. "Hey, do you mind if Laude and I quickly stop at the seedling stalls? Mom asked us to pick up more Dristle seedlings for the back garden."

Ayben nodded. "That's fine. You don't wanna look at anything else?"

Laude looked behind them down the street, where some familiar looking students were talking to a group of swordsmiths.

"We'll be preoccupied." Laude chuckled.

Claretta had a slight disappointment in her eye as Laude shut down the idea of looking at the more interesting spots.

Ayben smiled. "In that case, I guess I'll check out the stalls down this way. Send me a Lo-Link when you're finished."

Claretta waved. "Okay! Have fun - keep an eye out for anything we'd like!"

Ayben waved back and smiled before continuing into the crowd, walking towards the stalls that specialized in magical items.

He was just buying some time away from them, he didn't want to ruin their day with his sulky behavior. He wanted to laugh and have fun with his friends, he loved them like family, but he didn't want to disappoint them or bring them down because of his own problems.

Until he could sort himself out, he wouldn't burden his friends any more than he already had. Especially when they couldn't do anything to help him even if they wanted.

Ayben didn't even really want to look at any of the stalls. He just kept walking, moving, pushing past the crowds of people flocking to and from vendors across the street. He had probably wandered a fair distance from Claretta and Laude, but they hadn't sent him a Lo-Link yet so it should be fine for him to keep going.